INDUSTRY NEWS
URGING PUBLIC POOLS TO COVER UP C
ommercial pool operators are offered clear and common sense advice from PWTAG
who emphasise the requirement for operational and safety training to be available to all relevant staff. The pool should be cleared of
swimmers and 30 minutes later the pool cover pulled into place; thereafter, access to the pool hall restricted to authorised people.
If
heating and circulation are then reduced, they should be restored 30 minutes before the cover is removed. Ideally the pool cover storage area
should be ventilated and the cover inspected weekly for bacterial growth. This may manifest as biofilm – slimy to the touch, but not necessarily visible. Covers will require cleaning regularly
– according to manufacturers’ instructions, or as necessary, and at least monthly. A 10mg/l free chlorine solution can be spread across the surface, and left for 30 minutes.
COMMERCIAL POOL COVERS also help minimise humidity levels on the pool side - therefore savings can also be made on heating and ventilation costs. Pic. Plastica
management system, or if the design means that heating and ventilation must be maintained constantly. Manually operated covers are not
recommended on larger pools – too demanding on staff, and a risk of getting damaged when moved. Motorised covers are more reliable and economical (and more likely to be used consistently). Materials should conform to
British/European standards and of appropriate thickness for safety. Typical thickness ranges from 4 to 8mm; 8mm is the more efficient. Installation of electrically powered
A COVER CAN SAVE
A POOL UP TO 20% of heating costs, advise PWTAG. Pic. Plastica
A cover can save a pool up to 20% of heating costs, give you a payback in less than three years, and protect the building structure. So what else do you need to know before deciding? Bear in mind first that you probably
won’t benefit from a cover if your pool already has some energy
units should be by suitably trained people. Ideally the motor and operating panel will be sited away from the pool surround, or at least enclosed in a secure housing with lockable access. The pool cover should fit over the maximum amount of pool surface area possible. Motorised covers for large commercial pools are typically wall or column mounted. Smaller pools can have submerged cover systems. People falling into a covered pool and becoming trapped is a life- threatening hazard. If the pool area can be secured from access by all
but trained staff, this may be enough to manage the risk. Otherwise, it will be necessary to ensure that the pool cover is capable of supporting the weight of a person walking or falling onto it. If you follow the PWTAG guidelines,
and keep the cover the well maintained, a pool cover should have a life expectancy of more than five years.
The UK’s authoritative guidance on swimming pools and spas
“Dedicated solely to raising standards in swimming pool water treatment”
Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group
chair@pwtag.org www.pwtag.org
poolandspascene.com
57
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100
